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"it's news to me that the Queen will be celebrating her Diamond Jubilee in Brighton! What a coup for the city. Lets hope the anti-smash-EDO commenters (above) will be out in force with their Union Jacks and bulldogs to show her their support?"

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Smash EDO plan Brighton protest during jubilee weekend

Police and Smash EDO protesters clash in Lewes Road, Brighton, in May 2009

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“And since June the 5th is also a bank holiday on account of the diamond jubilee, this is the perfect time to make it down to Brighton!”

Councillor Geoffrey Theobald, leader of the council's Conservative group, said: “They are not thinking of the residents or businesses in Brighton and Hove in my view.

“We are a holiday resort. We are here to attract people into our city.

“Everyone is entitled to demonstrate in a democracy but I think it is quite unreasonable to pick that time.”

Hands off

Councillor Ben Duncan, Brighton and Hove City Council cabinet member for communities, equalities and public protection, said the event should not be treated as anti-jubilee.

The Green councillor, who has attended previous Smash EDO demonstrations, said the city had built up trust with protest groups in its handling of the Occupy Brighton and Spanish Revolution camps,
and would not oppose any protest.

He said: “I'm sure people will criticise their lack of respect for the jubilee.

“The jubilee is irrelevant to attempts to ban an arms factory.

“Public order policing can be very expensive but it is not expensive if the police take quite a hands-off approach and that is what we'll be encouraging them to do.”

In the past, police have criticised Smash EDO's refusal to inform them of its plans for similar events.

Chief Inspector Paul Betts, of Sussex Police, said yesterday: "We would welcome contact from the organisers in order that we can discuss proportionate policing of any demonstrations or protests
that they are planning."